Improved properties by warm compaction

Warm compaction is a new technology resulting in increased densities of 7.2-7.5 Mg m -3 in a single step. By this process it is possible to obtain density levels and mechanical properties comparable with double pressing and sintering. However, the improved properties achievable by warm compaction must be combined with tolerances of the same order as for the conventional PM processing route. Some characteristic properties of Distaloy AE, a low alloy PM material, after warm compaction and sintering have been investigated, illustrating the robustness of the process. The weight scatter for a component produced using warm compaction in trials under productionlike conditions is also compared with that for conventional compaction.